After a season-long loan at Bournemouth, Wilshere returned to Arsenal last year where he forced his way back into Arsene Wenger’s first team, featuring in 27 appearances. But his promising string of displays were not enough to force Southgate’s hand.

Speaking at Betfair’s Road to Russia event, Ferdinand explained that Wilshere has simply not performed at the same level as the likes of Dele Alli and Lingard this season and has scored nowhere near enough goals.

The Manchester United legend added that Wilshere cannot be relied upon in a holding role because he has not played the position enough.

Ferdinand is adamant Wilshere does not deserve a spot in Russia (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Wilshere will not be on the plane to the World Cup (Image: Getty Images Europe)

It’s also been no secret that Wilshere has struggled with injuries throughout his career, and Ferdinand added that doubts over a player’s fitness can have an impact on their team-mates.

When asked if Southgate should have included Wilshere in his 23-man England squad, Betfair ambassador Ferdinand told Mirror Football: "I didn't disagree with the midfield choices that he took. I just think that he can count on all the others physically.

"And I think the others, if you're going to play him in an attacking midfield role, he doesn't add up to someone like Dele, he doesn't add up to someone like Jesse, in terms of getting goals, or making things happen in the final third, assists - his stats can't live with them type of guys.

"So I don't think there's an argument for me personally because he hasn't been playing, he hasn't played enough football. I don't think he's influenced enough games in the way them guys probably have over a long, sustained period of time.

"And going into a tournament I've been there when we've had teams when there's a player that's a little bit unfit and it does leave uncertainty in the squad. It does affect the squad.

"It can distabalise a squad or you just feel a little bit of uncertainty. And that little bit of uncertainty, however small that is, can spread in the team sometimes.

"Listen, I think Jack has got great talent, don't get me wrong, but if he's an attacking midfielder in today's game you've got to be nicking 10-15 goals a season. And likewise with assists.

Wilshere was overlooked by Gareth Southgate (Image: Arsenal FC/Getty)

"And I don't think he gets those numbers so is he going to play a holding role? That's where I would have played him if I was going to bring him - to get the ball and make us play.

"But has he done that enough? Is he experienced in that position? Has he done that to more effect than Henderson this season? I wouldn't say so. Dier does it for Spurs.

"So the argument for him to go is less when you're looking at those kind of arguments against him.”